Etching process for high-k gate dielectrics

ABSTRACT

A method of forming a gate electrode comprising the following steps. A substrate having a high-k gate dielectric layer formed thereover is provided. A gate layer is formed over the high-k gate dielectric layer. A gate ARC layer is formed over the gate layer. The gate ARC layer and the gate layer are patterned to form a patterned gate ARC layer and a patterned gate layer. The high-k gate dielectric layer not under the patterned gate layer is partially etched and a smooth exposed upper surface of the patterned gate layer is formed. The partially etched high-k gate dielectric layer portions not under the patterned gate layer are removed to form the gate electrode comprised of the patterned gate layer and the etched high-k gate dielectric layer.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/146,315, filed May 15, 2002, and entitled, “Etching Process forHigh-K gate Dielectrics,” assigned to a common assignee and herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to semiconductor fabrication andmore specifically to processes of etching high-k gate dielectric layers.

BACKGROUND

High dielectric constant (high-k) dielectrics were thought to replacesilicon oxide (SiO₂) in the near future due to their low leakage currentas compared to SiO₂ of the same equivalent oxide thickness (EOT). Butthere have been many problems in attempting to incorporate high-kdielectrics into the current complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor(CMOS) process flow such as thermal instability (the high-k materialdegrades under high temperature), transconductance, cross-contamination(metal out-diffusion from high-k dielectric metal oxides during thermalprocesses) and Gm/Idsat degradation (due to the presence of fixedcharges and unstable high-k dielectric/poly-Si interface, mobilitydegradation of the MOS).

The high-k material has a slow etch rate compared to SiO₂ and further,the high-k gate dielectric reacts with the poly-Si gate to form aninterfacial layer therebetween which is difficult to etch. In the high-kgate dielectric etching process, H₃PO₄ and HF based chemical etches arenot considered because of the concerns on poly-Si gate damage andshallow trench isolation (STI) over-loss (i.e. the STI will beover-etched as compared to the high-k gate dielectric layer). Thepresent embodiments focus upon these etching issues.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,271,094 B1 to Boyd et al. describes a high-k layer andgate patterning process.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,999 B1 to Gardner et al. describes a high-k gatedielectric and gate etch process.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,069,381 to Black et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 6,100,173 toGardner et al. describe other high-k gate dielectric and gate patterningprocesses.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be more clearly understood from the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in whichlike reference numerals designate similar or corresponding elements,regions and portions and in which:

FIGS. 1 to 5 schematically illustrate a first embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 6 to 9 schematically illustrate a second embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Unless otherwise specified, all structures, layers, steps, methods, etc.may be formed or accomplished by conventional steps or methods known inthe prior art.

First Embodiment

Initial Structure

As shown in FIG. 1, structure 10 may include (shallow trench isolation)structures 12. Structure 10 is preferably a silicon substrate and isunderstood to possibly include a semiconductor wafer or substrate. STIs12 are preferably comprised of plasma oxide formed by an high-densityplasma (HDP) process or a sub-atmospheric chemical vapor deposition(SACVD) process.

High-k gate dielectric layer 14 is formed over silicon substrate 10 to athickness of preferably from about 20 to 100 Å and more preferably fromabout 30 to 50 Å. High-k gate dielectric layer 14 is preferablycomprised of ZrSiO4, HfSiO4, LaSiO4, YSiO4, ZrSixOy or HfSixOy and ismore preferably comprised of ZrSixOy or HfSixOy.

In a step of the first embodiment, gate layer 16 is formed over high-kgate dielectric layer 14 to a thickness of preferably from about 400 to3000 Å and more preferably from about 1200 to 1800 Å which is slightlythicker than in conventional processes so as to compensate for thesubsequent etch loss from the Ar sputter or the F-based-chemistry plasmaetch 24 as described below.

Gate layer 16 is preferably comprised of polysilicon (poly-Si), polycideor a poly-Si/poly-Ge stack structure and is more preferably comprised ofpoly-Si.

High-k gate dielectric layer 14 reacts with the poly-Si gate layer 16 toform interfacial layer 18 which is very hard to etch. Interfacial layer18 is preferably from about 3 to 10 Å thick and is more preferably fromabout 3 to 5 Å thick.

Gate anti-reflective coating (ARC) 20 is formed over poly-Si gate layer16 to a thickness of preferably from about 100 to 500 Å and morepreferably from about 200 to 400 Å. Gate ARC 20 is preferably comprisedof SiN, SiON, silicon oxide, organic ARC or an organic ARC/SiON stackstructure and is more preferably comprised of an organic ARC/SiON stackstructure.

Gate Patterning

As shown in FIG. 2, gate ARC 20 and poly-Si gate layer 16 are patternedto form patterned gate ARC 20′ and patterned poly-Si gate 16′. ARC 20and poly-Si gate 16 may be patterned using, for example, an overlyingpatterned photoresist layer (not shown).

Removal of Patterned Gate ARC 20

As shown in FIG. 3, patterned gate ARC 20′ is stripped from patternedpoly-Si gate layer 16′. This leaves the upper surface 22 of patternedpoly-Si gate layer 16′ rough.

Argon (Ar) Sputter or Fluorine (F)-Based-Chemistry Plasma Etch 24—

In another step of the present embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 4, thestructure of FIG. 3 is subjected to an argon (Ar) sputter or a fluorine(F)-based-chemistry plasma etch 24 which thins patterned gate layer 16′to form thinner patterned gate layer 16″ having a smooth upper surface22′. Ar sputter/F-based-chemistry plasma etch 24 also removes: (1) theexposed portions of interfacial layer 18 not under patterned gate layer16′ to form patterned interfacial layer 18′; and (2) a portion of theexposed portions of high-k gate dielectric layer 14 not under patternedgate layer 16′ to form partially etched high-k gate dielectric layer14′.

Thinner patterned gate layer 16″ has a thickness of preferably fromabout 300 to 2000 Å and more preferably from about 1000 to 1500 Å.

The F-based-chemistry of the F-based-chemistry plasma etch 24 ispreferably: (1) CxFy such as CF4, C2F6, C4F6 or C4F8; (2) CxHyFz such asCHF3, CH2F2 or CH3F; or SxFy such as SF6; and is more preferably: CF4,C4F6, CH2F2 or CH3F. The F-based-chemistry may also include an inert gassuch as helium (He) or Ar, for example: CF4/Ar/O2 or CF4/Ar and is morepreferably CF4/Ar/O2.

The smooth upper surface 22′ of patterned gate layer 16′ is better forany subsequent silicide process to form a silicide portion overpatterned gate layer 16′.

If an Ar sputter 24 is selected, it is conducted at the followingparameters:

-   -   Ar: preferably from about 20 to 500 sccm; and more preferably        from about 100 to 200 sccm;    -   power: preferably from about 200 to 2000 Watts; and more        preferably from about 300 to 500 Watts;    -   temperature: preferably from about 0 to 100° C.; and more        preferably from about 80 to 90° C.;    -   pressure: preferably from about 5 to 50 mTorr; and more        preferably from about 20 to 50 mTorr; and    -   time: preferably from about 5 to 30 seconds; and more preferably        from about 5 to 10 seconds.        If an F-based-chemistry plasma etch 24 is selected, it is        conducted at the following parameters:    -   CF4: preferably from about 1 to 100 sccm; and more preferably        from about 5 to 30 sccm;    -   Ar: preferably from about 10 to 1000 sccm; and more preferably        from about 50 to 300 sccm;    -   top power: preferably from about 100 to 1000 Watts; and more        preferably from about 300 to 700 Watts;    -   bottom power: preferably from about 0 to 500 Watts; and more        preferably from about 50 to 200 Watts; and    -   pressure: preferably from about 1 to 200 mTorr; and more        preferably from about 2 to 50 mTorr.        Wet Etch 26 to Remove Remaining Exposed Portions of High-K Gate        Dielectric Layer 14′

As shown in FIG. 5, a wet etch 26 is used to remove the remainingexposed portions of partially etched high-k gate dielectric layer 14′from over silicon substrate 10 not under patterned gate layer 16′ toform etched high-k gate dielectric layer 14″. Patterned gate layer 16′,patterned interfacial layer 18′ and etched high-k gate dielectric layer14″ comprise gate electrode 28.

Wet etch 26 is preferably a sulfuric acid (H2SO4) wet etch conducted atthe following parameters:

-   -   H2SO4: preferably from about 2 to 20% by volume; and more        preferably from about 2 to 5% by volume;    -   temperature: preferably from about 25 to 130° C. and more        preferably from about 25 to 50° C.; and    -   time: preferably from about 10 to 30 seconds and more preferably        from about 10 to 20 seconds.

Further processing may then continue such as, for example, silicideformation, LDD implants, gate sidewall spacer formation, HDD implants,etc.

By using an H2SO4 wet etch 26 instead of an H3PO4 wet etch chemistry,the poly-Si sidewalls the source/drain (S/D) areas of the siliconsubstrate adjacent the patterned gate layer 16″/high-k gate dielectriclayer 14″. Also less STI 12 over-loss will be achieved than if an HF wetetch chemistry were used.

An acceptable etching rate is achieved by using the two step etchprocess of the first embodiment of the present invention, i.e. (1) Arsputter 24 followed by (2) an H2SO₄ wet etch 26. Another point of thepresent embodiment is that neither the Ar sputter 24 nor the H2SO4 wetetch 26 require masking due the selectivity of each.

Second Embodiment

Initial Structure

As shown in FIG. 6, structure 110 may include (shallow trench isolation)structures 112. Structure 110 is preferably a silicon substrate and isunderstood to possibly include a semiconductor wafer or substrate. STIs112 are preferably comprised of HDP oxide or SACVD oxide.

High-k gate dielectric layer 114 is formed over silicon substrate 110 toa thickness of preferably from about 10 to 50 Å and more preferably fromabout 20 to 50 Å. High-k gate dielectric layer 114 is preferablycomprised of ZrSiO4, HfSiO4, LaSiO4, YSiO4, ZrSixOy or HfSixOy and ismore preferably comprised of ZrSixOy or HfSixOy.

Gate layer 116 is formed over high-k gate dielectric layer 114 to athickness of preferably from about 400 to 3000 Å and more preferablyfrom about 1200 to 1800 Å which is comparable to the thickness inconventional processes.

Gate layer 116 is preferably comprised of polysilicon (poly-Si),polycide or a poly-Si/poly-Ge stack structure and is more preferablycomprised of poly-Si.

High-k gate dielectric layer 114 reacts with the poly-Si gate layer 116to form interfacial layer 118 which is very hard to etch. Interfaciallayer 118 is preferably from about 3 to 10 Å thick and is morepreferably from about 3 to 5 Å thick.

Gate anti-reflective coating (ARC) 120 is formed over poly-Si gate layer116 to a thickness of preferably from about 100 to 500A and morepreferably from about 200 to 400 Å. Gate ARC 120 is preferably comprisedof SiN, SiON, silicon oxide, organic ARC or an organic ARC/SiON stackstructure and is more preferably comprised of an organic ARC/SiON stackstructure.

Gate Patterning

As shown in FIG. 7, gate ARC 120 and poly-Si gate layer 116 arepatterned to form patterned gate ARC 120′ and patterned poly-Si gate116′. ARC 120 and poly-Si gate 116 may be patterned using, for example,an overlying patterned photoresist layer (not shown).

Argon (Ar) Sputter or Plasma Etch with a Fluorine (F)-Based-Chemistry124

It is noted that the patterned gate ARC 120′ is not removed from overpatterned poly-Si gate layer 116′ before the Arsputter/F-based-chemistry plasma etch 124.

In one step of the embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 8, the structure ofFIG. 7 is subjected to an argon (Ar) sputter/F-based-chemistry plasmaetch 124 which removes gate ARC 120 from over patterned poly-Si gatelayer 116′, leaving the upper surface 122 of exposed patterned poly-Sigate layer 116′ smooth. Gate ARC 120 minimizes poly-Si loss from thepatterned poly-Si gate layer 116′. Ar sputter/F-based-chemistry plasmaetch 124 also removes: (1) the exposed portions of interfacial layer 118not under patterned gate layer 116′ to form patterned interfacial layer118′; and (2) a portion of the exposed portions of high-k gatedielectric layer 114 not under patterned gate layer 116′ to formpartially etched high-k gate dielectric layer 114′.

The F-based-chemistry of the F-based-chemistry plasma etch 124 ispreferably: (1) CxFy such as CF4, C2F6, C4F6 or C4F8; (2) CxHyFz such asCHF3, CH2F2 or CH3F; or SxFy such as SF6; and is more preferably: CF4,C4F6, CH2F2 or CH3F. The F-based-chemistry may also include an inert gassuch as helium (He) or Ar, for example: CF4/Ar/O2 or CF4/Ar and is morepreferably CF4/Ar/O2.

The smooth upper surface 122′ of patterned gate layer 16′ is better forany subsequent silicide process to form a silicide portion overpatterned gate layer 116′.

If an Ar sputter 124 is selected, it is conducted at the followingparameters:

-   -   Ar: preferably from about 20 to 500 sccm; and more preferably        from about 100 to 200 sccm;    -   power: preferably from about 200 to 2000 Watts; and more        preferably from about 300 to 500 Watts;    -   temperature: preferably from about 0 to 100° C.; and more        preferably from about 80 to 90° C.;    -   pressure: preferably from about 5 to 50 mTorr; and more        preferably from about 20 to 50 mTorr; and    -   time: preferably from about 5 to 30 seconds; and more preferably        from about 5 to 10 seconds.

If an F-based-chemistry plasma etch 124 is selected, it is conducted atthe following parameters:

-   -   CF4: preferably from about 1 to 100 sccm; and more preferably        from about 5 to 30 sccm;    -   Ar: preferably from about 10 to 1000 sccm; and more preferably        from about 50 to 300 sccm;    -   top power: preferably from about 100 to 1000 Watts; and more        preferably from about 300 to 700 Watts;    -   bottom power: preferably from about 0 to 500 Watts; and more        preferably from about 50 to 200 Watts; and    -   pressure: preferably from about 1 to 200 mTorr; and more        preferably from about 2 to 50 mTorr.        Wet Etch 126 to Remove Remaining Exposed Portions of High-K Gate        Dielectric Layer 114′

As shown in FIG. 9, a wet etch 126 is used to remove the remainingexposed portions of partially etched high-k gate dielectric layer 114′from over silicon substrate 110 not under patterned gate layer 116′ toform etched high-k gate dielectric layer 114″. Patterned gate layer116′, patterned interfacial layer 118′ and etched high-k gate dielectriclayer 114″ comprise gate electrode 128.

Wet etch 126 is preferably a sulfuric acid (H2SO4) wet etch conducted atthe following parameters:

-   -   H2SO4: preferably from about 2 to 20% by volume; and more        preferably from about 2 to 5% by volume;    -   temperature: preferably from about 25 to 130° C. and more        preferably from about 25 to 50° C.; and    -   time: preferably from about 10 to 30 seconds and more preferably        from about 10 to 20 seconds.

Further processing may then continue such as, for example, silicideformation, LDD implants, gate sidewall spacer formation, HDD implants,etc.

By using an H2SO4 wet etch 126 instead of an H3PO4 wet etch chemistry,the poly-Si sidewalls the source/drain (S/D) areas of the siliconsubstrate adjacent the patterned gate layer 116′/high-k gate dielectriclayer 114″. Also less STI 112 over-loss will be achieved than if an HFwet etch chemistry were used. Further, poly-Si gate layer 116 isdeposited to a thickness substantially equal to those thicknesses usedin conventional processes.

Advantages

The advantages of one or more embodiments of the present inventioninclude: a smooth upper surface of the patterned poly-Si gate layer isachieved which provides for better subsequent silicide processformation; the sidewalls of the patterned poly-Si gate layer are notdeleteriously affected by the wet etch process; the S/D areas of thesilicon substrate are not deleteriously affected by the wet etchprocess; less STI over-loss is achieved; acceptable etching rates areachieved by using the two step etching process, i.e. the Ar sputter andthe H2SO4 wet etch; and the poly-Si gate layer is deposited to athickness substantially equal to those thicknesses used in conventionalprocesses.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it is not intended to limit the invention,except as defined by the following claims.

1. A method of forming a gate electrode, comprising the steps of: providing a substrate having a high-k gate dielectric layer formed thereover; forming a gate layer over the high-k gate dielectric layer; forming a gate ARC layer over the gate layer; patterning the gate ARC layer and the gate layer to form a patterned gate ARC layer and a patterned gate layer; partially etching the high-k gate dielectric layer not under the patterned gate layer using an F-based-chemistry plasma etch including an F-based-chemistry, and forming a smooth exposed upper surface of the patterned gate layer; and then removing the partially etched high-k gate dielectric layer portions not under the patterned gate layer to form the gate electrode comprised of the patterned gate layer and the etched high-k gate dielectric layer.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the high-k gate dielectric layer not under the patterned gate layer is etched using an F-based-chemistry plasma etch including an F-based-chemistry selected from the group consisting of C_(x)F_(y), C_(x)H_(y)F_(z) and S_(x)F_(y).
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the high-k gate dielectric layer not under the patterned gate layer is etched using an F-based-chemistry plasma etch including an F-based-chemistry selected from the group consisting of CF₄, C₂F₆, C₄F₆, C₄F₈, CHF₃, CH₂F₂, CH₃F, SF₆, CF₄/Ar/O₂ and CF₄/Ar.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the high-k gate dielectric layer not under the patterned gate layer is etched using an F-based-chemistry plasma etch including an F-based-chemistry selected from the group consisting of CF₄/Ar/O₂ and CF4/Ar.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the high-k gate dielectric layer not under the patterned gate layer is etched using an F-based-chemistry plasma etch including an F-based-chemistry including an inert gas.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the high-k gate dielectric layer not under the patterned gate layer is etched using an F-based-chemistry plasma etch conducted at the following parameters: CF4: from about 1 to 100 sccm; Ar: from about 10 to 1000 sccm; top power: from about 100 to 1000 Watts; bottom power: from about 0 to 500 Watts; and pressure: from about 1 to 200 mTorr.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the high-k gate dielectric layer not under the patterned gate layer is etched using an F-based-chemistry plasma etch conducted at the following parameters: CF4: from about 5 to 30 sccm; Ar: from about 50 to 300 sccm; top power: from about 300 to 700 Watts; bottom power: from about 50 to 200 Watts; and pressure: from about 2 to 50 mTorr.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the patterned gate ARC layer is removed from over the patterned gate layer by the Ar sputter or the F-based-chemistry plasma etch.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the patterned gate ARC layer is removed from over the patterned gate layer by the Ar sputter or the F-based-chemistry plasma etch and whereby the patterned gate ARC layer minimizes loss of the patterned gate layer during the Ar sputter or the F-based-chemistry plasma etch.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the high-k gate dielectric layer not under the patterned gate layer is etched using an Ar sputter or an F based chemistry plasma and the partially etched high-k gate dielectric layer portions not under the patterned gate layer is etched using an H₂SO₄ wet etch chemistry process.
 11. A method of forming a gate electrode, comprising the steps of: providing a substrate having a high-k gate dielectric layer formed thereover; forming a gate layer over the high-k gate dielectric layer; forming a gate ARC layer over the gate layer; patterning the gate ARC layer and the gate layer to form a patterned gate ARC layer and a patterned gate layer; removing the patterned ARC layer from over the patterned gate layer; subjecting the structure to an Ar sputter or an F-based-chemistry plasma etch to partially etch the high-k gate dielectric layer not under the patterned gate layer using an F-based-chemistry plasma etch, and to form a smooth exposed upper surface of the patterned gate layer; and removing the partially etched high-k gate dielectric layer portions not under the patterned gate layer using an H2SO4 wet etch chemistry process to form the gate electrode comprised of the patterned gate layer and the etched high-k gate dielectric layer.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the partially etched the high-k gate dielectric layer not under the patterned gate layer is etched using an F-based-chemistry plasma etch including an F-based-chemistry selected from the group consisting of C_(x)F_(y), C_(x)H_(y)F_(z) and S_(x)F_(y).
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the partially etched the high-k gate dielectric layer not under the patterned gate layer is etched using an F-based-chemistry plasma etch including an F-based-chemistry selected from the group consisting of CF₄, C₂F₆, C₄F₆, C₄F₈, CHF₃, CH₂F₂, CH₃F, SF₆, CF₄/Ar/O₂ and CF₄/Ar.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the partially etched the high-k gate dielectric layer not under the patterned gate layer is etched using an F-based-chemistry plasma etch including an F-based-chemistry selected from the group consisting of CF₄/Ar/O₂ and CF₄/Ar.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the partially etched the high-k gate dielectric layer not under the patterned gate layer is etched using an F-based-chemistry plasma etch including an F-based-chemistry including an inert gas.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the partially etched the high-k gate dielectric layer not under the patterned gate layer is etched using an F-based-chemistry plasma etch conducted at the following parameters: CF4: from about 1 to 100 sccm; Ar: from about 10 to 1000 sccm; top power: from about 100 to 1000 Watts; bottom power: from about 0 to 500 Watts; and pressure: from about 1 to 200 mTorr.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the partially etched the high-k gate dielectric layer not under the patterned gate layer is etched using an F-based-chemistry plasma etch conducted at the following parameters: CF4: from about 5 to 30 sccm; Ar: from about 50 to 300 sccm; top power: from about 300 to 700 Watts; bottom power: from about 50 to 200 Watts; and pressure: from about 2 to 50 mTorr.
 18. A method of forming a gate electrode, comprising the steps of: providing a substrate having a high-k gate dielectric layer formed thereover; forming a gate layer over the high-k gate dielectric layer; forming a gate ARC layer over the gate layer; patterning the gate ARC layer and the gate layer to form a patterned gate ARC layer and a patterned gate layer; subjecting the structure to an Ar sputter or an F-based-chemistry plasma etch to partially etch the high-k gate dielectric layer not under the patterned gate layer and to remove the patterned ARC layer leaving a smooth exposed upper surface of the patterned gate layer; and removing the partially etched high-k gate dielectric layer portions not under the patterned gate layer using an H₂SO₄ wet etch chemistry process to form the gate electrode comprised of the patterned gate layer and the etched high-k gate dielectric layer.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the substrate is a silicon substrate; the high-k gate dielectric layer is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of ZrSO₄, HfSO₄, LaSO₄, YSO₄, ZrSi_(x)O_(y) and HfSi_(x)O_(y); the gate layer is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of polysilicon, polycide and a poly-Si/poly-Ge stack structure; and the gate ARC layer is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of SiN, SiON, silicon oxide, organic ARC and an organic ARC/SiON stack structure.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the substrate is a silicon substrate; the high-k gate dielectric layer is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of ZrSi_(x)O_(y) and HfSi_(x)O_(y); the gate layer is comprised of polysilicon; and the gate ARC layer is comprised of an organic ARC/SiON stack structure.
 21. The method of claim 18, wherein the partially etched the high-k gate dielectric layer not under the patterned gate layer is etched using an Ar sputter conducted at the following parameters: Ar: from about 20 to 500 sccm; power: from about 200 to 2000 Watts; temperature: from about 0 to 100° C.; pressure: from about 5 to 50 mTorr; and time: from about 5 to 30 seconds.
 22. The method of claim 18, wherein the partially etched the high-k gate dielectric layer not under the patterned gate layer is etched using an Ar sputter conducted at the following parameters: Ar: from about 100 to 200 sccm; power: from about 300 to 500 Watts; temperature: from about 80 to 90° C.; pressure: from about 20 to 50 mTorr; and time: from about 5 to 10 seconds.
 23. The method of claim 18, wherein the partially etched the high-k gate dielectric layer not under the patterned gate layer is etched using an F-based-chemistry plasma etch including an F-based-chemistry selected from the group consisting of C_(x)F_(y), C_(x)H_(y)F_(z) and S_(x)F_(y).
 24. The method of claim 18, wherein the partially etched the high-k gate dielectric layer not under the patterned gate layer is etched using an F-based-chemistry plasma etch including an F-based-chemistry selected from the group consisting of CF₄, C₂F₆, C₄F₆, C₄F₈, CHF₃, CH₂F₂, CH₃F, SF₆, CF₄/Ar/O₂ and CF₄/Ar.
 25. The method of claim 18, wherein the partially etched the high-k gate dielectric layer not under the patterned gate layer is etched using an F-based-chemistry plasma etch including an F-based-chemistry selected from the group consisting of CF₄/Ar/O₂ and CF₄/Ar.
 26. The method of claim 18, wherein the partially etched the high-k gate dielectric layer not under the patterned gate layer is etched using an F-based-chemistry plasma etch including an F-based-chemistry including an inert gas.
 27. The method of claim 18, wherein the partially etched the high-k gate dielectric layer not under the patterned gate layer is etched using an F-based-chemistry plasma etch conducted at the following parameters: CF4: from about 1 to 100 sccm; Ar: from about 10 to 1000 sccm; top power: from about 100 to 1000 Watts; bottom power: from about 0 to 500 Watts; and pressure: from about 1 to 200 mTorr.
 28. The method of claim 18, wherein the partially etched the high-k gate dielectric layer not under the patterned gate layer is etched using an F-based-chemistry plasma etch conducted at the following parameters: CF4: from about 5 to 30 sccm; Ar: from about 50 to 300 sccm; top power: from about 300 to 700 Watts; bottom power: from about 50 to 200 Watts; and pressure: from about 2 to 50 mTorr.
 29. The method of claim 18, wherein the H₂SO₄ wet etch chemistry process is conducted at the following parameters: H₂SO₄: from about 2 to 20% by volume; temperature: from about 25 to 130° C.; and time: from about 10 to 30 seconds.
 30. The method of claim 18, wherein the H₂SO₄ wet etch chemistry process is conducted at the following parameters: H₂SO₄: from about 2 to 5% by volume; temperature: from about 25 to 50° C.; and time: from about 10 to 20 seconds.
 31. The method of claim 18, wherein the high-k gate dielectric layer interacts with the gate layer to form an interfacial layer therebetween.
 32. The method of claim 18, wherein the high-k gate dielectric layer interacts with the gate layer to form an interfacial layer therebetween; and wherein the Ar sputter or the F-based-chemistry plasma etch also etches and removes the interfacial layer not under the patterned gate layer.
 33. The method of claim 18, wherein the substrate further includes STIs formed therein adjacent to the high-k gate dielectric layer.
 34. The method of claim 18, wherein the substrate further includes STIs formed therein adjacent to the high-k gate dielectric layer; and wherein the STIs are not substantially affected by the H₂SO₄ wet etch chemistry process.
 35. The method of claim 18, wherein high-k gate dielectric layer has a thickness of from about 10 to 50 Å; the gate layer has a thickness of from about 400 to 3000 Å; and the gate ARC layer has a thickness of from about 100 to 500 Å.
 36. The method of claim 18 wherein high-k gate dielectric layer has a thickness of from about 20 to 50 Å; the gate layer has a thickness of from about 1200 to 1800 Å; and the gate ARC layer has a thickness of from about 200 to 400 Å.
 37. The method of claim 18, wherein the patterned gate ARC layer minimizes loss of the patterned gate layer during the Ar sputter or the F-based-chemistry plasma etch. 